Professional Development Starts With Leadership: Making It A Priority

Jason Leverant serves as the President and Chief Operating Officer of the AtWork Group, an award-winning national staffing firm.

Creating a company with a growth mindset starts at the top. Business leaders who prioritize their own professional development set the tone for a thriving, resilient company.

Professional development is an important component of business success. It can improve employee retention, bolster workplace morale and even benefit the bottom line. In fact, “career growth opportunities” is the No. 1 reason people change jobs, and companies that invest in employee development generate 11% higher profitability and have higher employee retention rates, according to Gallup.

Why Leaders Need To Prioritize Professional Development

It is important to implement strategies to allow your team members to take advantage of development opportunities, such as creating individual skill-building plans and providing access to training. But, creating a company with a professional growth mindset starts in the C-suite.

I believe top-ranking business leaders share similar characteristics. They are adaptable, forward-thinking and decisive. Some of the best leaders on the planet consider themselves lifetime learners. Coping with economic uncertainty, evolving technology, busy schedules and high stress can prompt many business leaders to put professional development on the back burner. Do not lose sight of your goals. Staying nimble and future-proofing your business requires dedication to leadership development.

Practical Tactics To Improve Skills

During my years as a business leader, I have developed some practical tactics that enable me to continue to improve.

1. Identify your strengths and weaknesses.

The mark of a true leader is being able to look in the mirror and identify your strengths and weaknesses. For example, I know I am internally motivated and self-driven. Providing my employees with positive reinforcement is not always top of mind. In addition to educating myself on ways to improve my positive reinforcement techniques, I carved out a weekly slot in my calendar to engage with my employees and provide validation.

2. Use technology.

Enhancements in technology can make it easier to squeeze in professional development when your schedule is jam-packed. For instance, apps like Blinkist summarize books, which can make it easier to reap the rewards of leadership books. TED Talks also provides short, impactful presentations.

3. Find a mentor or business coach.

Having a mentor can be an invaluable way to enhance your skill set. Find a mentor with more experience than you to make the relationship beneficial. Be thoughtful in how to approach them as well. Matt Higgins, Shark Tank investor and CEO of RSE Ventures, recommended reaching out to a potential mentor for advice by asking a question you need help with rather than asking someone to be a mentor. This strategy enables you to start building a relationship.

4. Develop a strong network.

Cultivating a solid network can offer ongoing insights and guidance. Consider taking a leadership role in an association specific to your industry. Attend conferences, webinars and education programs to stay abreast of new strategies and leadership techniques. Your network can help you understand trends, technologies and best practices to help fuel business growth.

5. Enhance internal knowledge.

A CEO needs to also look within their organization for professional development opportunities. Shadow team members in various roles to gain firsthand insight into the contributions they make to the company and the challenges they regularly encounter. This strategy can help you gain actionable insights into your business.

6. Prioritize your time.

One of the biggest challenges business leaders face is time management. Researchers from Harvard Business School found the average CEO works nearly 63 hours each week. Finding time to fit in professional development can feel like a burden. Strive to make it a priority to empower your team to lighten your load. Using technology to automate tasks can be effective. I set calendar reminders to help me focus and achieve my daily goals.

As you implement these strategies, remember to be transparent with your employees about your professional development efforts. Leading by example reinforces your organization’s commitment to fostering an environment that encourages growth.

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